【Editor’s Note】：
Tsinghua University has been taking large footsteps towards internationalization ever since its establishment more than a hundred years ago. Up to now, over 80 international graduate degree programs have been implemented to enhance students’ global competency and the reputation of Tsinghua worldwide. With various cultural backgrounds, students and teachers from all corners of the world gather in the beautiful campus of Tsinghua University, sharing knowledge and life experiences and opening windows of the outside world for each other. The “International Programs in the Eyes of Student Reporters” series are narrated by the program students and teachers, providing readers an in-depth insight to those colorful pictures of cultural integration.
Two Decades: Tsinghua University and Tokyo Institute of Technology, Aiming for Excellence Future
Tsinghua University and Tokyo Institute of Technology (renamed Institute of Science Tokyo in October 2024), two of the world's top universities in higher education, jointly established the “Tsinghua University-Tokyo Institute of Technology Joint Master’s Program” in 2004 to collaboratively educate top talents in science, technology, and humanities across Asia. This initiative marks the first collaborative master's training program in Japan, setting a benchmark for universities of the two countries in joint graduate training and other fields of international education cooperation.
In the last two decades, the program has fostered numerous academic achievements, providing a broad international platform for innovation and academic training. The universities have exchanged over 250 outstanding students in the fields of science, technology, and the humanities and facilitated various levels of growth for students, encompassing academic exchanges and personal experiences.
Celebration Seminar for the 20th Anniversary (Tokyo Institute of Technology)
Joint Effort to a Joint Program
The Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech), is recognized as Japan's leading science and technology university. Established in 1881, it unified with Tokyo Medical and Dental University on October 1, 2024, and officially became the Institute of Science Tokyo at that time. Both Tsinghua University and Tokyo Tech have very clear interdisciplinary characteristics, integrating social sciences and technology disciplines to carry out academic development, and they have a strong international outlook and are dedicated to fostering the exchange and development of students from the two countries. Both parties in the Program have a united vision: To nurture young, innovative leaders in science, technology, and the humanities across Asia who possess an international perspective and the skills to excel in cutting-edge sectors between China and Japan. These leaders will also act as a bridge for industrial and social collaboration between the two nations.
Since its inception in 2004, the Joint Program has consistently enhanced its management and training methods. This improvement is evident not only in the continuous and stable student exchanges but also in the integration of courses, credits, and teaching approaches.
To promote unity and consistency in students' education, the two universities have adopted various strategies in curriculum development, including establishing introductory foundational courses and joint teaching courses, covering three major directions: the Nanotechnology, the Bioscience and Biotechnology, and the Decision Science and Technology.
Moreover, the two institutions provide over 60 courses annually for the program, featuring over 100 faculty from Tokyo Tech and over 80 from Tsinghua University. For instance, to accommodate the course selection preferences of students from both institutions, the Department of Chemical Engineering at Tsinghua University has created a comprehensive English course titled “Advances in Modern Life Science and Engineering.” This course is co-taught by faculty members from both universities.
Both students and faculty benefit from collaborative teaching experiences. Wang Yamin, Program Officer working at Tsinghua University as a staff member of the Program Office of Tokyo Tech, explained, “Joint training offers dual degree education for students while enhancing communication between faculty and scholars. This promotes the sustainability of the Joint Program.”
Personalized Humanistic Care: Thoughtful Support for Academics and Life
Studying abroad brings various learning and life challenges for exchange students at both universities, making the extensive support from the Joint Program team crucial for the students. “In my first month, I encountered numerous challenges, such as managing ID cards, insurance, and bank accounts,” Li noted that she and other students from the Tsinghua campus were fortunate to receive dedicated support during her transition to Japan.
“The instructors from Tokyo Tech arranged a special meeting to assist us in tackling these issues, offering practical solutions, a flowchart of the necessary steps, and even personally accompanying me to handle the relevant matters.” Additionally, Li praised her tutor in Japan for his support in overcoming language barriers. “Our discussions took place in his office, where he spoke to us in English and used a small blackboard to explain complex concepts with words and mind maps.”
Similarly, for Iwata and other students from Tokyo Tech, studying in China presents the same challenges—not least the language barrier. When he came to Tsinghua University, he could clearly feel that the culture and education of China and Japan were different, and fortunately, the faculty and Tsinghua University students of the program were trying to help him and the other students get accustomed to the move.
Offering personalized, one-on-one humanistic care for each Tsinghua University student and Tokyo Tech student has bridged the gap between faculty and students in the Joint Program, fostering enduring friendships that extend from campus into professional life. Wang maintains regular contact with both current students and alumni and demonstrates strong familiarity with them when discussing their experiences. Even alumni who graduated years ago enthusiastically share their accomplishments and joys with Wang at each milestone in their careers.
To encourage students to meet the required standards, both sides of the program will conduct regular academic exchange meetings to evaluate students’ learning and academic performance. "Every student's name is brought up during the regular program Management Committee meeting." Zhang Chong elaborated, "The management team will carefully discuss the training plan of each student, which encompasses their research direction, experimental projects, curriculum training, and other specifics." Additionally, the Joint Program has received different scholarship backing from the China Scholarship Council, Tsinghua University, Tokyo Tech, and various Japanese companies. The Joint Program has truly achieved the goal of providing full academic support and living security for each student.
20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony (Tsinghua University)
Two Decades of Advancement with Excellent Satisfaction
The Joint Program utilizes various collaborative training methods, including long-term and short-term joint teaching, shared lectures, and joint mentorship. Notably, the “double tutorial system” is the preferred teaching method among students. Ryuma Iwata, a Tokyo Tech student in this program currently studying at Tsinghua University, elaborates on the benefits of having two tutors, saying, “Both tutors are excellent, and while there are differences but in a good way... The research approaches in China and Japan differ significantly, which I find intriguing, and they provide two valuable perspectives for my own research.”
“Japanese students often adhere to traditional paths and routines," said Wang. “However, this program expands their perspectives, and I’m pleased to see them increasingly explore innovative ideas and the wider world.”
Li Shucheng, a Tsinghua University student in this program, has finished her studies at Tokyo Tech. Looking back on campus life in Japan, she regards “preciseness and diligence” as the best description of the tutor and researchers at Tokyo Tech, " Tokyo Tech tutors are very diligent, and they conduct experiments very seriously!"
Iwata aims to pursue research following graduation. "I aspire to be an academic researcher unbound by national borders or cultural biases, allowing me to work freely and comfortably. Experiencing both Chinese and Japanese cultural contexts enhances my opportunities for academic collaboration," he said. He highly recommends that Japanese students think about applying for this Joint Program to study in China. He believes that future applicants will enjoy a similar experience to his and will find their experience and gain on the Tsinghua campus to surpass their expectations significantly.
Tsinghua University-Tokyo Institute of Technology Joint Master’s Program was initially launched by distinguished academics from Tsinghua University and the Tokyo Tech. After two decades, the Joint Program has attained impressive and successful outcomes and is now poised at a fresh starting point toward a greater objective.
Program Overview：
Tsinghua University-Tokyo Institute of Technology Joint Master’s Program is the first dual master’s program focused on biological engineering, nanotechnology and social science to be run cooperatively by top universities in China and Japan. Each student will be supervised by two collaborative mentors, one from each institution. The program has been running successfully for the past 20 years with a total student enrollment over 250.
Source：
【School of Journalism and Communication】Tsinghua University “Journalism Practices on International Education” Project Group: Chen Chen, Alicia Zeng, Manru Chen
Editors:
【Graduate School】Minzhi Lv, Lixia Liu, Fu Sun, Chaonan Wang
【Tokyo Institute of Technology】Yamin Wang
【School of Journalism and Communication】Chengzhang Li
